iPad, iPhone, and AT&T: Apple’s networking deals

At their January 27th event, Apple announced what the networking aspects of the iPad are going to be. Basically, thanks to a “breakthrough” deal with (everyone sigh with me now…) AT&T, Apple is able to offer two different prepaid accounts for the iPad. The good thing, obviously, is that no contract is required. Furthermore, 250MB of data a month will only cost $14.99, while unlimited is just $29.99, and there is also free use at any of AT&T’s wifi hotspots. Furthermore, it can just be activated straight on the iPad as you want it with no hassle required at cellular network stores.

While the wifi and 3G version of the iPad does cost more than just the wifi version, this is certainly a nice inclusion—especially considering the iPad 3G models will be unlocked and able to use new GSM micro SIMs. Unfortunately, Apple hasn’t announced any international deals yet, but they promised to have them all by June/July. It will be interesting to see whether the international carriers are as willing as AT&T to bend to Apple’s demands.

One thing that does upset me is that despite the rumor, nothing was said about the iPhone carriers. Are far as I can tell, we’re still stuck there.